Virtual performance system

ABSTRACT

Aspects of this disclosure relate to rewarding users of an electronic game for real-world physical activity. Further aspects relate to altering virtual items based upon physical activity. An electronic game may comprise or otherwise relate to an online world (such as a “Virtual World”). Users may be represented through customized graphical representations, such as avatars. An account of a user (or entity) may be associated a “virtual region.” A threshold level of real-world physical activity may result in obtaining a reward that may be associated with a virtual item. A reward may be configured to result in: (1) altering visual appearance of a virtual item within a virtual region; (2) altering a virtual characteristic of a virtual item, such that the first user may engage in at least one additional virtual activity using that virtual item; and/or (3) acquiring a new virtual item for a virtual region.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/491,282 entitled “Virtual Performance System” and filed on Jun. 7,2012, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/494,310 entitled “Virtual Performance System”and filed on Jun. 7, 2011, each of which is incorporated by reference inits entirety.

This application is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 9,289,683 entitled“Virtual Performance System” which issued on Mar. 22, 2016, and which isalso incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Electronic forms of entertainment have drastically increased over thelast decade. A large part of this increase is due to rising popularityof electronic games. Electronic games are no longer targeted topre-teens and teenagers, but rather are enjoyed by every possibledemographic group. As individuals increasingly engage electronic gaming,they may spend less time participating in sports and other forms ofphysical activity. This is especially worrisome as the decline inphysical activity has been associated with obesity and other relatedhealth concerns. Moreover, sporting events and other forms of physicalactivity historically provided a source of social interaction.

Attempts to combat this have focused on electronic games that require auser to stand in front of a display and attempt to work out with sensorsattached to their body or in the confined area of an indoor room that isnot suited for physical performance.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosure. The summary is not anextensive overview of the disclosure. It is neither intended to identifykey or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope ofthe disclosure. The following summary merely presents some concepts ofthe disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the descriptionbelow.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to processing of data taken while auser performs an athletic activity. Certain embodiments relate todetermining whether a user performs a threshold level of physicalactivity (e.g., athletic activity). In certain embodiments,determinations of athletic activity may comprise estimating energyexpenditure such as, for example, an amount of calories burned. Incertain embodiments, energy expenditure calculations comprisedeterminations relating to: effort, oxygen consumed, and/or oxygenkinetics of the user.

Example embodiments may relate to a system, method, apparatus, andnon-transitory computer readable media configured for prompting a userto perform an exercise, monitoring form of the user while performing theexercise, and calculating an energy expenditure estimate for the userperforming the exercise based on a type of the exercise and on the formof the user. In various aspects, a system, method, apparatus, and/orcomputer readable media may be configured for processing data capturedof a user performing an athletic activity over a time interval, anddetermining a location of a center of mass of a body part, body region,or entire body of the user at a first time instant and at a second timeinstant within the time interval. In further aspects, a system, method,apparatus, and/or computer readable media may be configured foridentifying a change in the location of the center of mass from thefirst time instant to the second time instant, and calculating an energyexpenditure estimate for the user due to the change.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to rewarding users of an electronicgame for real-world physical activity and/or movements. Further aspectsrelate to altering virtual items based upon physical activity. Invarious implementations, the electronic game may comprise or otherwiserelate to an online world (such as a “Virtual Universe” or a “VirtualWorld”). Users, which may be individuals and/or entities, may berepresented through customized graphical representations, such asavatars. In accordance with various embodiments, an account of a user(or entity) of a virtual world 300 may be associated a “virtual region.”Certain embodiments may identify a first threshold level of real-worldphysical activity to obtain a first reward associated with the virtualitem. In one embodiment, based upon characteristics of a virtual item ofa virtual region, a reward may be generated for real-world activity. Inone embodiment, the reward may be configured to result in at least oneof: (1) altering visual appearance of a virtual item within the firstvirtual region; (2) altering a virtual characteristic of a virtual itemwith the first virtual region, such that the first user may engage in atleast one additional virtual activity using the virtual item; and/or (3)acquiring a new virtual item for the first virtual region.

In one embodiment, a first threshold activity may be based updeterminations selected from the group consisting of: energyexpenditure, distance, pace and combinations thereof. In variousimplementations, upon determining that a user performed the firstthreshold of activity and before providing a reward, the user may beprompted to a select a reward from a plurality of rewards. In furtheraspects of the embodiment, upon determining that the user has the firstthreshold activity, the user may be awarded a first quantity of pointsof a first point system that may be used to perform a virtual activitywithin the virtual world. The points may be a second award in additionto another award.

Certain embodiments may estimate a geographic location of a user anddetermine an environmental condition of the estimated geographiclocation. In one embodiment, a reward may be altered based on at leastone environmental condition. In one embodiment, the virtual region maybe altered to visually reflect a quality of an environmental condition.According to one embodiment, a second reward having criteria requiringthe first user to perform a second threshold level of physical activitymay be implemented.

In further embodiments, an avatar may be presented in the virtual worldperforming a virtual activity based upon a determined real-worldathletic activity. In certain embodiments, it may be determined that thereal-world weather condition is adverse to performance of the firstreal-world athletic activity. In one embodiment, a quantity of points,virtual goods or services, or any reward may be adjusted based on thedetermining that the real-world weather condition is adverse to theperformance of the first real-world athletic activity.

In certain embodiments, a determination that that the first user did notsatisfy the activity threshold may result in the alteration of virtualregion associated with a second user that is different from the firstuser. Points may also be deducted from one or more users. In furtherembodiments, an avatar associated with a celebrity may partially orcompletely destroy a virtual item included within the virtual world. Avirtual item may be removed. In yet another embodiment, a virtual teamassociated with the first virtual region to perform less athleticallyduring a virtual sporting event.

In yet other embodiments, one or more processors may determine, fromsensor data, that at least a first user and a second user are performinga first real-world athletic activity and display on a virtual scoreboarda first score representing the first user's performance of the firstreal-world activity and a second score representing the second user'sperformance of the first real-world activity. In some embodiments, avirtual weather condition of at least one of the first virtual region orthe second virtual region may be adjusted.

These and other aspects of the embodiments are discussed in greaterdetail throughout this disclosure, including the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative network environment that may be utilizedin accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example client device that may be used in anetwork environment, such as the network environment of FIG. 1, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary simplified virtual world to illustrate variousaspects of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows illustrative features of an example virtual region that maybe within a virtual world in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows an illustrative virtual region;FIG. 4B shows exemplary virtual assets that may be located within thevirtual region of FIG. 4A; and FIG. 4C shows an enlarged depiction of anillustrative example shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method that may be utilizedin the alteration of features of a virtual world in accordance withvarious aspects of this disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for awarding virtualpoints or rewards (or adjusting the amount of points or rewards) forphysical activity based upon real world variables in accordance with oneembodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an illustrative method for adjusting oraltering virtual assets in accordance with one embodiment of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method that may be used toupdate a user's account in accordance with various embodiments of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 9 shows exemplary icons that may be used in the designation of oneor more illustrative reward systems in accordance with variousembodiments of this disclosure;

FIGS. 10 A-B illustrate an example of a system for capturing and/ormeasuring physical movements in accordance with example embodiments,wherein FIG. 10A illustrates an example network configured to monitorathletic activity, and FIG. 10B illustrates an example computing devicein accordance with example embodiments;

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate example sensor assemblies that may be worn by auser in accordance with example embodiments;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for calculatingan energy expenditure estimate for a user that accounts for a user'sform while exercising as part of the estimate, in accordance withexample embodiments; and

FIG. 13 illustrates example points on a user's body for monitoringduring exercising in accordance with example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the various embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and inwhich are shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modificationsmay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.Further, headings within this disclosure should not be considered aslimiting aspects of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art with thebenefit of this disclosure will appreciate that the example embodimentsare not limited to the example headings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an illustrative network environment that may beutilized in accordance with various embodiments. The illustratedenvironment of FIG. 1 may be used to transmit and/or receive electronicinformation during the operation of a virtual world. As seen in FIG. 1,a plurality of clients (101 a-101 d, collectively 101) may interact withvirtual world servers (105 a-105 b, collectively 105). Clients 101 mayinclude a variety of devices including any generic data processingdevice 101 a, personal computer (PC) 101 b, laptop, portable, or netbookcomputer 101 c, personal data assistant or mobile device 101 d, or anymobile communication device. Each of clients 101 may have a networkadapter or transceiver that allows clients 101 to connect to virtualworld servers 106 through network 100. In one example, network 100 mayinclude an Internet Protocol (IP) based network, e.g., the Internet.Other networks may include, but are not limited to: cellular networks,cable networks, fiber optic networks, wireless networks, wired networkand/or combinations thereof. Network 100 may further include one or moresub-networks such as wired or wireless local area networks (LANs) andthe like.

One or more physical servers 105 may be used to run one or moreinstances of the virtual world server software 106. Each physical servermay be a similar data processing device as clients 101, and/or mayinclude specialized server hardware. In one embodiment, each virtualserver is at the same physical location, yet in other embodiments, oneor more server 105 may be located remotely from another server andoperatively connected through network 100 or another network (notshown). In other embodiments, a single powerful server 105 a could runmultiple virtual worlds 106 a and 106 b, or several less powerfulservers 105 c and 105 d could be connected in a cluster to work togetherto run one large virtual world 106 d. As described herein ‘server’ isused to refer to a single instance of the server software 106, (i.e., asingle stand-alone instance of the virtual world). A server does notnecessarily refer to the underlying hardware server 105. However, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that a single server 105 a or 105 bmay comprise a processor and a tangible non-transitory computer-readablemedium that may contain computer-executable instructions. Theinstructions may be executed by the processor on the server 105 or byany other processor within the environment. Computer-implementedinstruction on one more non-transitory memories on server 105 mayinclude account information, user preferences, payment information, useridentification information, character definitions, and the like. Furtherinstructions may store rules, algorithms and other data for interactionsthat are available in the virtual world. Exemplary hardware and softwarefor an example client device of the network environment is shown in FIG.2.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example client device 200 such as PC 101 d(FIG. 1) that may be used to access and interact with a virtual worldprovided by a virtual world server such as server 106 a of FIG. 1.Client device 200 may include a variety of components and modulesincluding a processor 217, random access memory (RAM) 215, read onlymemory (ROM) 213, databases 201 and 203, renderer 205, output adapter211, input interface 209 and communication interface 207. Processor 217may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a separate GPU may beincluded in the output adapter 211. Memory 201 may be configured tostore data defining and otherwise associated with a user account,including information regarding an avatar used by a user of device 200to explore and interact with a virtual world. Avatar information mayinclude avatar characteristics (e.g., strength, skin color, eye color,hair length, height, weight, intelligence), avatar position/locationinformation, objects associated with the avatar (e.g., inventory,clothes, fitness equipment, accessories) and the like. Avatars will beexplained in further detail below, including in reference to FIG. 3.Memory 203, on the other hand, may be configured to store data fordefining and generating the environment in which the avatars exist. Forexample, memory 203 may store texture maps for rendering a fitnessarena, a hiking trail, and the like. In another example, memory 203 maystore simulated weather data, accessible versus non-accessible areas,colors, interactive components of the world (vs. non-interactivecomponents), data defining inanimate objects existing in the world, datadefining computer controlled characters and the like. In one embodiment,memories 201 and 203 may be a single, non-transitory computer-readablemedium. Each memory 201, 203 may or may not include a database to storedata or include data stored in RAM memory, accessed as needed by theclient software. Data associated with an avatar or the virtual world maybe communicated between client device 200 and a virtual world server(such as server(s) 105) through a transceiver or network interface, suchas communication interface 207. For example, avatar positions,attributes and status may be updated or environments may be changed bycommunicating such data through interface 207.

One or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable mediums, such asmedium 201 or 203 may be configured to contain client software(graphically shown as software 205). The world and the avatars may berendered by client software 205 and subsequently sent to output adapter211 and display 219. The client software 205 may, in one or morearrangements, be configured to generated three dimensional (3-D) modelsof a virtual world and components thereof as well as the avatarcorresponding to a user. A user may control the avatar and interact withthe world through input interface 209 using various types of inputdevices including keyboard 223 and mouse 225. Other types of inputdevices may include a microphone (e.g., for voice communications overthe network), joysticks, motion sensing devices and/or combinationsthereof. In one or more arrangements, music or other audio such asspeech may be included as part of the virtual world. In such instances,the audio may be outputted through speaker 221.

Client software 205, computer executable instructions, and other dataused by processor 217 and other components of client device 200 may bestored in memories, 201, 203, RAM 215, ROM 213 or a combination thereof.Other types of memory may also be used, including both volatile andnonvolatile memory. Software 205 may be stored within RAM 215, ROM 213and/or databases 201 and 203 to provide instructions to processor 217such that when the instructions are executed, processor 217, clientdevice 200 and/or other components thereof are caused to performfunctions and methods described herein. In one example, instructions forgenerating a user interface for interfacing with the virtual worldserver may be stored in RAM 215, ROM 213 and/or databases 201 and 203.Client software 205 may include both applications and operating systemsoftware, and may include code segments, instructions, applets,pre-compiled code, compiled code, computer programs, program modules,engines, program logic, and combinations thereof. Computer executableinstructions and data may further be stored on some physical form ofcomputer readable storage media (referred to herein as “computermemory”) including, e.g., electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD orother optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magneticstorage and the like.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to rewarding users of an electronicgame for real-world physical activity and/or movements. In variousimplementations, the electronic game may comprise or otherwise relate toan online world (such as a “Virtual Universe” or a “Virtual World”). Asused herein, the terms “Virtual Universe” or “Virtual World” aresynonymous and refer to any electronic environment in which one or moreindividuals (or entities) may interact through virtual representations.A virtual world may be a graphically rendered or graphically simulatedenvironment in which many users can interact with each other, againsteach other, for either a common purpose or a competing purpose. FIG. 3shows a simplified virtual world 300 to illustrate various aspects ofthis disclosure. Users, which may be individuals and/or entities, may berepresented through customized graphical representations, such asavatars (i.e., avatars 302, 304, 306, 308, and 310). An avatar 302 maybe a graphical representation having one or more features of thespecific user. For example, a user of virtual world 300 may be able toselect one or more features of the avatar 302, including, but notlimited to: facial features, size, body shape, clothing, and/oraccessories. Thus, avatars (i.e., avatars 302, 304, 306, 308, and 310),may serve as a virtual identities for the respective users of virtualworld 300.

In accordance with various embodiments, an account of each user (orentity) using virtual world 300 may be associated a “virtual region.” Asused herein, the term “virtual region” refers to a virtual orgraphically-depicted 3-dimensional space within a virtual universe orworld 300. As seen in FIG. 3, each avatar 302-310 may be associated witha specific virtual region (see, e.g., regions 312, 314, 316, 318, 320respectively). In certain embodiments, various virtual regions 312-320may be traversed by other user's avatars 302-310. For example, avatar302 may be permitted to leave region 312 and traverse onto one or moreof regions 314-320. Yet in other embodiments, users may limit theactions of other avatars on their specific virtual region. For example,the owner of region 314 may prevent avatar 302 from travelling ontoregion 314. In another embodiment, avatar 302 may be permitted to travelonto region 314, however, could be prevented from conducting certainactivities on region 314. For example, avatar 302 may be able to travelthrough region 314 to region 316, however, may not alter or utilizecertain items that are associated with region 314. Further aspects ofuser interactions will be described later in this disclosure.

Virtual world 300 may be graphically depicted to resemble a real-lifelocation, a science fiction environment, a fantasy environment, or anyother setting on as desired. In this regard, one virtual region, such asregion 302, may have an entirely different environment than a secondregion, such as region 304. In one embodiment, each avatar 302-310 maycontrol one or more virtual features of their respective virtual region312-320. The orientation of virtual regions (such as regions 312-320 ofFIG. 3) may be fixed, such as a physical landmass. Yet, in otherembodiments, the orientation and/or placement of regions 312-320 may berelative. For example, it may be different based upon a user'spreference, settings, or rule-based logic. In one embodiment, the userof avatar 302 may be “virtual friends” with the users of avatars304-310, or otherwise have account settings indicating that they wouldlike to be associated with those users. Therefore, virtual regions312-320 of those users may be visually depicted as being in closeproximity to avatar's 302 for one or more users of the virtual world300. As another example, the user of avatar 312 may have a differentsetting (such as not “friends” with or otherwise not associated withavatar 302), therefore, at least to the visual indication provided tothe user of avatar 312, avatar 302 as well as its region 312 may not bevisually depicted in the visual world 300.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that world 300 is asimplified depiction that is shown for illustrative purposes only andother virtual worlds may be more complex without departing from thescope of this disclosure. Further, there may be many more regions foundin a typical virtual universe, or even only one region in a smallvirtual universe. Further, like the real world, each virtual region312-320 within virtual universe 300 may comprise landscape having eitheralterable or unalterable features. Examples of illustrative features areshown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4A shows an illustrative region 402 that may include one or morealterable features. In one embodiment, region 402 may be substantiallyidentical to region 302 of FIG. 3. As seen in FIG. 4, region 402comprises virtual content, such as an illustrative arena 404, gym 406,buildings 408, and trees 410. In certain embodiments, region 402 may bepreconfigured, such that the orientation and/or placements of one ormore objects of virtual content may be positioned for the user's firstuse. In other embodiments, a user may be able to move or alter thearrangement (including removing) of one or more objects. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that content 404-410 are shown forillustrative purposes only and that other content, such as naturalelements (e.g., rivers, mountains, lakes, etc.), stores, sportingstructures, parks, and the like may be created by administrators orresidents of the universe that are represented by avatars. Further, aswill be explained later in this disclosure, the performance of physicalmotions in the physical world (i.e., the real world) as well as virtualactivities within virtual world 300 may permit the alteration of one ormore features of a region, such as region 402.

In certain embodiments, virtual world 300 may provide a simulatedenvironment in which many users interact with each other, against eachother, for a common purpose, or for a competing purpose. This may beaccomplished through interactions between avatars (such as avatars 302and 304) as well as the interaction of an avatar with virtual content,such as sporting arena 404 or hiking trail 412. For example, users maynavigate (such through the electronic transmission of one or more userinputs) their respective avatars to travel and interact with each otherwithin illustrative virtual world 300. For example, an avatar, such asavatar 302, may be rendered and placed within virtual world 300 at aspecified position. Using controls as described above with respect toFIG. 2, a user may move their respective avatar 302 to modify avatar302's position. For example, the user may move avatar 302 closer toarena 404 or closer to gym 406. Further, in certain embodiments, arena404 and/or gym 406 (as well as one or more other objects within region402) may be interactive. That is, a user may transmit user inputs tocontrol his or her avatar 302 to, for example, open the doors of gym 406to enter the gym 406 and be presented a visual depiction of additionalobjects, such as gym equipment within the gym 406. FIG. 4B showsexemplary gym equipment (see, weights 414 and treadmill 414) that may bevisually presented to a user upon entering gym 406. Although someaspects of virtual region 400 are illustrated as two dimensional (2-D),those aspects may also be generated as 3-D objects with, optionally,various texture and colors.

Aspects of the application relate to an altering one or more features ofan online game comprising a virtual world, such as virtual world 300shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a flowchart 500 showing an exemplary methodthat may be utilized in the alteration of features of a virtual world inaccordance with various aspects of this disclosure. In one embodiment,changes or opportunities to change features of virtual world 300 may bebased on real-world physical activity of a user associated with anavatar (such as avatar 302-310). Those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that the ordering of flowchart 500 or any other flowchartdisclosed herein is merely for explanatory purposes unless dictatedotherwise. Further, it is not a requirement that each block or decisionwithin a flowchart be executed.

In one embodiment of flowchart 500, block 502 may be implemented toreceive electronic data representing a user's physical activity.Physical activity may be measured across several disparate systems anddevices. For example, a first sensor may be worn by a user and measurethe user's total movements throughout their daily activities while asecond sensor may be associated with an exercise device, such as atreadmill, and be may measure movements, time spent, and/or performanceof a user on a particular machine or type of machine. Example systems,sensors, and methods that may be utilized in the collection or receptionof physical data are provided later in this disclosure including FIGS.10-12. As explained throughout this disclosure, inclusive of at leastFIG. 10, athletic performance monitoring device(s) may be configured todetect and collect information from multiple sensors.

Physical activity or movement by the user in the real-world (such asreceived at block 502) may be converted or otherwise translated intovirtual points or rewards (see, e.g., block 504). In this regard, inaccordance with certain embodiments, physical activity may be measuredby energy expenditure, such as for example, caloric expenditure. Exampleembodiments of calculating energy expenditure are discussed in relationto FIG. 13. In this regard, aspects of this disclosure relate to methodsand systems that may reward players with virtual goods or services fortheir physical activity in the real world. In one embodiment, points maybe awarded on a numeric scale. Methods and systems may permit virtualpoints to be spent or transferred by a user to: obtain new virtualcontent for their virtual region, grant virtual points to another user,improve functionality or the appearance of their virtual content orregion, as well as alter the usability of the virtual world. Thoseskilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will readilyappreciate that these are merely examples and other virtual uses arewithin the scope of this disclosure. In yet other embodiments, a usermay be able to obtain physical goods or service with one or more typesof points.

Certain embodiments may convert physical actions to a plurality ofvirtual point systems. For example, a first point system may award theuser for a first type of user activity while a second point systemrewards the same user for different actions or activity. For example, ifat block 502, it was determined a user ran 5 miles, then certainembodiments may credit that user's account or otherwise reward that userwith a predetermined quantity of points for each mile. The reward may benon-linear such that a user who runs 5 miles gets 10 times the rewardthan if they just ran 1 mile. In one embodiment, a GPS or other positionlocating device may track a user's movement and points or awards may beprovided based upon the user's movement.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, participating inother activities, such as team sports, may involve running. Thus a usermay be awarded “miles” for running during the sporting activity, as wellas being rewarded for participating in the sporting activity. The rewardfor the sporting activity may be under the same point system as therunning reward, or in other embodiments, the points may be providedunder a different point system. Thus, in certain embodiments, a user maybe compensated under two virtual point systems for the same virtualworld for a single performance (i.e., participating in a football game).Illustrative examples of possible point systems are provided below inFIG. 9.

In other embodiments, rewarding of time may consider the time spent by auser conducting certain activities or performing certain motions. Thus,a quantity of time a user spends conducting a physical activity ormovement may be utilized in determinations of rewards. In oneembodiment, the award (such as with virtual points or virtual assets)may be directly related to the quantity of time a user spends conductingthe physical activity. For example, in one embodiment, a user may beawarded 5 points for every 20 minutes of playing in a specified teamsport. In yet other embodiments, time may be utilized in conjunctionwith other criteria. In one embodiment, a reward may only be given if aphysiological and/or biometric parameter reaches a certain threshold.For example, in one embodiment, a user's heart rate may have to beretained above a threshold for a predetermined amount of time to receivethe reward. In another embodiment, a user must have to physically travela predefined distance during a window of time to receive a quantity ofpoints. In one embodiment, a location positioning sensor (such as a GPS)may track a user's physical movement throughout the day, regardlesswhether the user is at a gym or playing in an arena. Certain embodimentsmay take one or more physiological or biometric parameter readers fromthe user from a sensor operatively connected to the user. Such sensorsmay be worn to a user, attached to apparel, such as a watch, hat, shoes,or the like, or incorporated as part of an electronic device, such as amobile telephony device, that may be carried by the user. Although theterm “reward” has been utilized herein, certain embodiments, maydistinguish between rewards given for a first physical activity and asecond physical activity. Thus, embodiments envision the utilization ofmultiple rewards for different virtual goals.

At block 506, virtual points may be applied to the user's virtual worldaccount. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, some pointvalues may be stored on a computer-readable medium, such that the usermay selectively “spend” the points like a virtual currency during theirusage of the electronic game. Yet, in other embodiments, upon the pointsbeing associated with a specific account of the virtual world 300,certain features will be automatically unlocked. For example, hikingtrail 412 may be unlocked or available for placement by the user intheir virtual region upon running a predefined distance. In anotherembodiment, if a user physically runs 5 miles within a twenty-four hourperiod, they may be automatically rewarded with a reward of a virtualrunning track for their virtual region.

FIG. 4C shows some examples of additional illustrative rewards that maybe provided to a user in accordance with various embodiments. In certainembodiments, users may be rewarded with the ability to modify or improvevirtual objects. For example, gym 406 may be modified by replacing itwith a bigger structure, such as gym 418. In another embodiment, a usermay be rewarded by permitting them to conduct virtual activities in thegym 406 that they previously could not perform before the award. Forexample, gym 406 could be modified to include an indoor track, or arock-climbing structure. In yet another embodiment, a trophy or monumentmay be placed in the gym 418 or any other structure or portion of theirvirtual region. Yet in other embodiments, the user could be rewardedwith a score board, such as scoreboard 405 for arena 404.

FIG. 4C shows an enlarged depiction of an illustrative example ofscoreboard 405. In certain embodiments, features of scoreboard may beobtained or otherwise activated upon being awarded a virtual reward. Asdiscussed later in this disclosure, other embodiments may providescoreboard 405 or other virtual assets as a reward for completing achallenge, such as a competitive game that requires physical activityfrom at least two participants. In yet another embodiment, scoreboard405 may virtually display real world activity, such as the result of thesporting or physical activity that was the result of them being awardedthe reward. In another embodiment, it may display other results of theuser's past physical performance. In yet another embodiment, scoreboard405 may provide updated or live data from a user's physical activity.

Scoreboard 405 is merely an example, and those skilled in the art withthe benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that other virtualrewards may display data from the user's (or other user's physicalactivities. For example, vehicle 420 may virtually display physicaldata, such as data display 422. Data display may be provided on thevehicle or, as shown in FIG. 4C, it may be connected to it, such asbeing dragged behind it in a banner-like form. In one embodiment,vehicle 422 may travel around the user's virtual world advertising theuser's physical accomplishments. In other embodiments, vehicle maytravel to other user's virtual regions to gloat about that user'saccomplishments. In one embodiment, vehicle 420 may travel to anotheruser's virtual region to deliver a challenge to perform a physicalactivity.

As discussed above, virtual displays, such as data display 422, mayprovide virtual indications of a user's real-world physical data.Further aspects of this disclosure allow for virtual representations ofphysical activity. For example, if a user is physically running in therain, then their virtual region may be updated to show their avatarrunning in the rain. If the user is swimming, their virtual avatar maybe shown swimming in a body of water, such as a pool or in a lake.Likewise if the user is playing in a team event, a crowd may be shown atarena 404.

In other embodiments, a reward or accumulation of points may includemaking the user's virtual region more popular or attract better sportingteams. For example, arena 404 of FIG. 4A may be upgraded to hold morepeople, attract better teams, or have improved facilities. In otherembodiment, a virtual representation of a well-known athlete can visittheir virtual region, and use the virtual assets (i.e., such as gym 406or arena 404). In certain embodiments, information regarding theserewards may be broadcasted other individuals, both through the virtualworld and the real world.

Certain aspects relate to awarding virtual points or rewards (oradjusting the amount of points or rewards) for physical activity basedupon real world variables. Turning briefly to FIG. 6, block 602 may beimplemented to determine a non-physiological or biometric parameter ofthe real-world. For example, in one embodiment, a user's location may beobtained and utilized to determine one or more aspects of the weather.Often, adverse weather (including rain, snow, or excessive heat)discourages individuals from exercising. Thus, detection of the weatherconditions for a specific user may be utilized to determine or adjust anaward and/or establish a previously non-existent point or rewardopportunity. (See, e.g., block 604, and adjust award or points forconducting exercise).

In other embodiments, virtual rewards may be modified or created tomimic a real world feature, such as a feature deduced or detected fromblock 602. In this regard, one or more real-world variables may beutilized to provide new (or adjust existing) virtual points or rewardsthat are associated with real-world structures or locations. Forexample, block 606 may be implemented to detect real-world attributes toreward a user with a virtual replica or representation of a structure orlocation. In one embodiment, a GPS (or other position locating device)may determine a user's physical location, such through block 602 and/orblock 502. For example, a user who visits their favorite footballstadium may be rewarded with a virtual replica of that stadium to placeon their virtual region. For example, existing arena 404 may be modifiedor replaced with a new arena having one or more features of the actualphysical structure or location.

In one embodiment, the location may include a natural structure, such asa mountain; thus, the user will may be awarded with a virtual mountain.In one embodiment, the virtual asset (i.e., mountain) may be associatedwith physical attributes of the actual physical mountain. For example,if the user is detected on the summit of a 5,115 foot mountain, thentheir virtual mountain may be indicated to be about that tall. Yet inother embodiments, it may be identified as being correlated to thephysical structure or location of the user.

In other embodiments, one or more real-world variables may be utilizedto provide new (or adjust existing) opportunities to earn virtual pointsor rewards (see, e.g., block 608). For example, if the user is visitinga mountainous region, a new challenge to hike a virtual mountain trailmay be provided or an existing challenge to hike a mountain may beassociated with an increased reward or point amount. In certainembodiments, the new activity or challenge may be associated with a newvirtual content structure or object, such as one awarded as part ofblock 512 of FIG. 5.

It goes from the foregoing that physical activity outside the game maybe correlated with conducting certain activities within the virtualworld. Unlike prior art methods, certain aspects of this disclosure donot require a user to be positioned in front of a display during thephysical activity. For example, the user may be hiking up a physicalmountain, and their physical activity during that event may becorrelated to hiking up their virtual mountain or other virtualstructure. In another embodiment, the user may be running or walkingduring an actual sporting event, such as like during a soccer game orfootball game, and their physical activity during that event may becorrelated to presenting an avatar playing a corresponding virtualsporting event.

Goals, objectives, opportunities, and rewards may correspond to physicallandmarks or location-specific items. For example, the Statue ofLiberty, the Empire State Building, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and/ora “Big Apple” may all be considered symbolic of or particularlyrepresentative of New York City. Thus, in accordance with certainembodiments, a real-world geographic location may be selected. It may beselected upon the user's detected physical location, a user input, thestyle of their virtual region, rules of an objective, or any otherreason. In one embodiment in which New York City is the geographiclocation, an objective may relate to the Empire State Building. Thespecific objective may be one of many objectives the user may select forthat geographic area. Yet in other embodiments, other objectives may belocked and/or hidden until a required number of other objectives havebeen completed, an amount of athletic activity has been performed and/oran immediately preceding objective has been completed.

The objective relating to the Empire State Building may require the userto burn a target number of calories, a target number of steps, adistance requirement or a combination thereof among other criteria forthe successful completion. A virtual indicator, such as for example,scoreboard 405 or data display 522 may virtually indicate progresstoward completing the goal. The progress may be based on steps orcalories burned already completed in excess of the previous goal.Exemplary systems and methods are described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/855,304 filed Aug. 12, 2010, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for any and allnon-limited purposes.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art with the benefit ofthis disclosure, one or more real-world variables may be combined. Forexample, temperature and location data may both be used, eithersimultaneously or separately in any determinations, including any of theprocesses described in relation to blocks shown in FIG. 6 (alone or incombination with other processes, such as those described in relation toFIG. 5). Further, although certain embodiments have been described inrelation to non-biometric or physiological variables, other embodimentsmay utilize biometric and/or physiological variables in any systems andmethods disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, at least one biometricor physiological variable may be utilized in conjunction with one ormore non-biometric parameter. For example, in one embodiment, block 508(which may be the same as or similar to block 602) may be implemented toreceive non-biometric or physiological data. In one embodiment, at leastone non-biometric/physiological attribute may be combined with datarepresenting a user's physical activity (such as through block 502 ofFIG. 5). One or more parameters received in any of blocks FIG. 6 may beprovided as an input to 502 as shown in the exemplary embodiment. Yet inother embodiments, information gathered at any process shown in FIG. 6may be utilized in other processes, including at both blocks 504 and506, as well as any other processes.

Further embodiments may remove, destroy, or alter virtual assets basedupon a user's inactivity. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an illustrativemethod for adjusting or altering virtual assets in accordance with oneembodiment. In one implementation, block 702 may be implemented toreceive electronic data representing a user's activity. In certainembodiments, block 702 may comprise one or more systems and/or methodsof block 502 of FIG. 5. For example, data collected at block 502 mayinclude motion data that indicates a user is running. A user'sactivities may be measured across several disparate systems and devices.For example, a first sensor may be worn by a user and measure the user'stotal movements during the day and a second sensor may be associatedwith an exercise device, such as a treadmill, may measure a userutilizing a particular machine or type of machine.

Yet, in other embodiments, block 702 may consist of one or moreprocesses entirely isolated from block 502 or other processes describedherein. In one embodiment, data received at block 702 may include timingdata indicative of inactivity of the user. For example, certain systemsmay utilize a sensor to detect motion of the user or portions thereof.Timing data may be associated with the sensor data that is indicative ofa pace, acceleration, force, and/or any other attributes.

At block 704, it may be determined whether the user was inactive. Aswould be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the determinations ofblock 704 as well as any other method described herein may occur,before, during, or after one or more methods described in any otherflowchart, including at least FIGS. 5 and 6. In one embodiment, block704 may comprise a determination whether the user was active enough totrigger at least one threshold. In one embodiment, block 704 mayconsider whether one or more thresholds were met during a time period.The time period may be fixed, such as within a 24-hour period, yet inother embodiments, the time period may be a relative and/or rolling timeperiod. The time period may be triggered upon the occurrence of anevent, such as an event in the real world or the virtual world. Incertain embodiments, one or more thresholds may be distinct and separatefrom any thresholds or requirements utilized to earn points or rewardsin the virtual world (such as disclosed in FIG. 5). As an example, anexemplary system may reward the user for running 10 miles within a 24hour period (see, e.g. block 504 of FIG. 5), however, it may bedetermined that the same user was “inactive” for a week because they didnot run at least 50 miles that week. Thus, although the user may havebeen “rewarded” for running at least 10 miles for 2 days that week, oneor more processes at block 704 may deem that user inactive that weekbecause they did not run at least 50 miles for that week. In anotherembodiment, they may have met all the thresholds for running, however,failed to meet other criteria set forth in block 704 and, thus be deemed“inactive” for at least one criterion. Those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that the determination of threshold and timing ofactivity measurements is not limited to the above examples.

Block 706 may be implemented to alter the virtual world 300 based uponan indication of inactivity. In one embodiment, that user's specificvirtual region is altered. In another embodiment, other regions, such asa teammate or friend's region may be altered. In one embodiment,inactivity may be determined from one or more thresholds that may havebeen exceeded (or failed to have been exceeded) from block 704. In oneembodiment, the points deducted or the alteration to the user's virtualworld may be scaled based upon the level of inactivity. For example, auser who fails a goal by 10% may not get as many points deducted as auser who is 25% deficient. The scale is not required to be linear. Otheralterations besides deduction of points are within the scope of thisdisclosure. For example, a well-known celebrity athlete may come anddestroy their gym (i.e., gym 406) if the user doesn't conduct a certainamount of physical activity or a certain type of activity. Thealteration may include the complete destruction of the asset, however,in other embodiments, it may be partially destroyed. In one embodiment,certain features or attributes of a virtual asset may be removed. Forexample, a swimming pool may be removed from the gym 406. In anotherembodiment, an arena (such as arena 404) be downgraded to hold lesspeople, attract less known sports teams, or otherwise altered. In oneembodiment, real-world inactivity in a specific sporting event may causea virtual team associated with the virtual region to lose a game orotherwise perform less athletically. In this regard, if the user failsto conduct certain soccer drills, their virtual soccer team (who mayplay virtual games at arena 404) may perform poorly, attract fewer fans,lose games, or otherwise be adversely affected.

Thus, in accordance with certain aspects of the invention, multiple fordesignating experience points in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. In certain embodiments, experience points may be virtualpoints that permit a user to reach certain levels or milestones in thevirtual game. For example, in one embodiment, a certain asset, such asan Olympic-sized virtual swimming pool may only be available upon theuser accumulating a certain number of experience points or reached acertain level. In this regard, points may be for performing virtualactivities, such as improving or maintaining a virtual region.

In another embodiment, virtual rewards or points may comprise a virtualcurrency. Exemplary coin icon 904 shows an illustrative icon that may beused to designate a virtual currency. Virtual currency 904 may be earnedthrough virtual activities within the virtual world. In one embodiment,a player may earn virtual currency from virtual actions of others. Forexample, looking back to FIG. 3, a first user or player may controlavatar 304 to utilize the virtual region 312 of a second player (who isassociated with avatar 302). For example, virtual region 312 maycomprise a world-class gym, thus if avatar 304 uses the gym of region312, then the first player may be awarded a quantity of virtualcurrency, such as currency 904. In one embodiment, players may help eachother stay motivated by assisting the accumulation of virtual currency.Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that otherpoints/rewards may also be transferred like currency.

Further embodiments may utilize a virtual energy system. In oneembodiment, an energy system may be based on a real-world attribute. Forexample, a predetermined quantity of energy may be awarded for everypredefined interval of time in the real world. Icon 906 is an exemplaryicon that may represent virtual energy in accordance with one embodimentof the invention. In one embodiment, building virtual structuresrequires virtual energy.

In other embodiments, a user may receive points or rewards as a gift.For example, another player may give a gift of energy points, currency,experience points, or any other source of virtual rewards or points. Inone embodiment, receiving messages of encouragement or motivation mayprovide a source of points or rewards. In other embodiments,transmitting motivational or encouraging messages may provide a sourceof points or rewards. In this regard, aspects of this disclosure relateto systems and methods for permitting users to transmit virtual giftsand other items to other players. In one implementation, the transfer ofgifts may encourage social interaction in the virtual world as well asthe physical world.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method that may be used toupdate a user's account in accordance with various embodiments. In oneimplementation, virtual activities (Such as those discussed above aswell as those to be described later in this disclosure) may result inthe awarding of virtual points. Decision 804 may be implemented todetermine whether the user's ability to earn virtual points or rewardshas been altered. For example, upon awarding points (i.e., experiencepoints) to a user based upon virtual activities, decision 804 may beimplemented to see if a user has unlocked a new asset, or can complete anew objective. As discussed above, completion of certain physicalactivities may unlock further abilities to earn virtual points/rewards.Likewise, the user's failure to conduct certain actions may remove anability to earn points/rewards. Thus, decision 804 may considerinformation from a plurality of sources. In on embodiment, block 806 maybe implemented to collect or aggregate information. The informationcollected or aggregated by include: earned points (i.e., block 504), theapplication of points to rewards (i.e., block 506), information obtainedfrom real-world values (including non-biometric or physiologicalattributes at block 602 of FIG. 6), and/or the alteration of the user'sworld through inactivity (see block 706 of FIG. 7) may have altered theuser's ability to earn virtual points or rewards from virtual activityand/or physical activity. Those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that the examples of information provided (as well as theordering of the information) in the context of block 806 is merely forillustrative purposes and that the invention is not limited to theinformation provided in FIG. 8. In certain embodiments, thedetermination at decision 804 may consider previously collectedinformation in combination with initiating the gathering of additionalinformation.

An affirmative finding at decision 804 may result in updating the user'saccount with pertinent information relating to the new abilities (seeblock 808). In one embodiment, the information may unlock the ability tobuild a virtual structure (such as an arena) or a virtual naturalfeature (such as a mountain, lake, forest), or a combination of both(such as a lake with a ski boat). The user may have the opportunity toconstruct a hiking trail, invite virtual players to their region (orplaces such as gym 406) within a region 402 or other possibilities.

Instead of providing virtual assets or points to users, furtherembodiments relate to unlocking objectives which may require the user toperform real-world physical activities. For example, a new objective mayrequire a user to conduct a specific type or quantity of physicalactivity. In one embodiment, an objective may require at least two usersto conduct a physical activity to unlock virtual content, such as forexample, an arena. In one embodiment, a multi-user game may includemultiple game types. In one embodiment, the opportunity is a challengethat pits two or more users against each other. Depending on theimplementation, less than all of the participants may be awarded with avirtual reward or points. In one embodiment, a game may require users toavoid registering the shortest run of all participants. In anotherexample, the game may require users to exercise as much as possible. Inyet another example, the game may require the users to avoid being thelast to complete an activity. Other game types may also be defined. Forexample, users may customize their own game types including defining anobjective, a game time period, a punishment/consequence and the like. Incertain embodiments, one or more users may wager virtual points orrewards. Exemplary systems and methods are described in U.S. Prov. Pat.App. No. 61/423,723, filed Dec. 16, 2010, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for any and allnon-limited purposes.

In another embodiment, the user may have to physically run a distance(such as 1 mile) to unlock a virtual scoreboard for an arena. Yet, inother embodiments, the types of real-world physical activities that maybe performed by a user to earn virtual points or rewards may depend onthe user's virtual assets. For example, if a user's region (e.g., region302) has been built up to include a large hiking trail up a mountain,the user may be able to conduct physical activity that counts towardsrunning up the mountain. In another embodiment, certain soccer-relatedphysical movements or activities may not be considered in the awardingof virtual goods or points, unless the user has a virtual soccer arena.

Illustrative Computing Devices

FIG. 10A illustrates an example of a personal training system 1000 inaccordance with example embodiments. Example system 1000 may include oneor more electronic devices, such as computer 1002. Computer 1002 maycomprise a mobile terminal, such as a telephone, music player, tablet,netbook or any portable device. In other embodiments, computer 1002 maycomprise a set-top box (STB), desktop computer, digital videorecorder(s) (DVR), computer server(s), and/or any other desiredcomputing device. In certain configurations, computer 1002 may comprisea gaming console, such as for example, a Microsoft® XBOX, Sony®Playstation, and/or a Nintendo® Wii gaming consoles. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that these are merely example consoles fordescriptive purposes and this disclosure is not limited to any consoleor device.

Turning briefly to FIG. 10B, computer 1002 may include computing unit1004, which may comprise at least one processing unit 1006. Processingunit 1006 may be any type of processing device for executing softwareinstructions, such as for example, a microprocessor device. Computer1002 may include a variety of non-transitory computer readable media,such as memory 1008. Memory 1008 may include, but is not limited to,random access memory (RAM) such as RAM 1010, and/or read only memory(ROM), such as ROM 1012. Memory 1008 may include any of: electronicallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic storage devices, or any other medium thatcan be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed bycomputer 1002.

The processing unit 1006 and the system memory 1008 may be connected,either directly or indirectly, through a bus 1014 or alternatecommunication structure to one or more peripheral devices. For example,the processing unit 1006 or the system memory 1008 may be directly orindirectly connected to additional memory storage, such as a hard diskdrive 1016, a removable magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive 1018,and a flash memory card. The processing unit 1006 and the system memory1008 also may be directly or indirectly connected to one or more inputdevices 1020 and one or more output devices 1022. The output devices1022 may include, for example, a display device 1036, television,printer, stereo, or speakers. In some embodiments one or more displaydevices may be incorporated into eyewear. The display devicesincorporated into eyewear may provide feedback to users. Eyewearincorporating one or more display devices also provides for a portabledisplay system. The input devices 1020 may include, for example, akeyboard, touch screen, a remote control pad, a pointing device (such asa mouse, touchpad, stylus, trackball, or joystick), a scanner, a cameraor a microphone. In this regard, input devices 1020 may comprise one ormore sensors configured to sense, detect, and/or measure athleticmovement from a user, such as user 1024, shown in FIG. 10A.

Looking again to FIG. 10A, image-capturing device 1026 and/or sensor1028 may be utilized in detecting and/or measuring athletic movements ofuser 1024. In one embodiment, data obtained from image-capturing device1026 or sensor 1028 may directly detect athletic movements, such thatthe data obtained from image-capturing device 1026 or sensor 1028 isdirectly correlated to a motion parameter. For example, and withreference to FIG. 13, image data from image-capturing device 1026 maydetect that the distance between sensor locations 1302 g and 1302 i hasdecreased and therefore, image-capturing device 1026 alone may beconfigured to detect that user's 1024 right arm has moved. Yet, in otherembodiments, data from image-capturing device 1026 and/or sensor 1028may be utilized in combination, either with each other or with othersensors to detect and/or measure movements. Thus, certain measurementsmay be determined from combining data obtained from two or more devices.Image-capturing device 1026 and/or sensor 1028 may include or beoperatively connected to one or more sensors, including but not limitedto: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a location-determining device (e.g.,GPS), light sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperatureand/or body temperature), heart rate monitor, image-capturing sensor,moisture sensor and/or combinations thereof. Example uses ofillustrative sensors 1026, 1028 are provided below in Section I.C,entitled “Illustrative Sensors.” Computer 1002 may also use touchscreens or image capturing device to determine where a user is pointingto make selections from a graphical user interface. One or moreembodiments may utilize one or more wired and/or wireless technologies,alone or in combination, wherein examples of wireless technologiesinclude Bluetooth® technologies, Bluetooth® low energy technologies,and/or ANT technologies.

Illustrative Network

Still further, computer 1002, computing unit 1004, and/or any otherelectronic devices may be directly or indirectly connected to one ormore network interfaces, such as example interface 1030 (shown in FIG.10B) for communicating with a network, such as network 1032. In theexample of FIG. 10B, network interface 1030, may comprise a networkadapter or network interface card (NIC) configured to translate data andcontrol signals from the computing unit 1004 into network messagesaccording to one or more communication protocols, such as theTransmission Control Protocol (TCP), the Internet Protocol (IP), and theUser Datagram Protocol (UDP). These protocols are well known in the art,and thus will not be discussed here in more detail. An interface 1030may employ any suitable connection agent for connecting to a network,including, for example, a wireless transceiver, a power line adapter, amodem, or an Ethernet connection. Network 1032, however, may be any oneor more information distribution network(s), of any type(s) ortopology(s), alone or in combination(s), such as internet(s),intranet(s), cloud(s), LAN(s). Network 1032 may be any one or more ofcable, fiber, satellite, telephone, cellular, wireless, etc. Networksare well known in the art, and thus will not be discussed here in moredetail. Network 1032 may be variously configured such as having one ormore wired or wireless communication channels to connect one or morelocations (e.g., schools, businesses, homes, consumer dwellings, networkresources, etc.), to one or more remote servers 1034, or to othercomputers, such as similar or identical to computer 1002. Indeed, system1000 may include more than one instance of each component (e.g., morethan one computer 1002, more than one display 1036, etc.). Those skilledin the art will appreciate that the network architecture (or anycomponents thereof) shown in FIG. 1 may be used instead of or inaddition to the network architecture (or any components thereof) shownin FIG. 10 or 11.

Regardless of whether computer 1002 or other electronic device withinnetwork 1032 is portable or at a fixed location, it should beappreciated that, in addition to the input, output and storageperipheral devices specifically listed above, the computing device maybe connected, such as either directly, or through network 1032 to avariety of other peripheral devices, including some that may performinput, output and storage functions, or some combination thereof. Incertain embodiments, a single device may integrate one or morecomponents shown in FIG. 10A. For example, a single device may includecomputer 1002, image-capturing device 1026, sensor 1028, display 1036and/or additional components. In one embodiment, sensor device 1038 maycomprise a mobile terminal having a display 1036, image-capturing device1026, and one or more sensors 1028. Yet, in another embodiment,image-capturing device 1026, and/or sensor 1028 may be peripheralsconfigured to be operatively connected to a media device, including forexample, a gaming or media system. Thus, it goes from the foregoing thatthis disclosure is not limited to stationary systems and methods.Rather, certain embodiments may be carried out by a user 1024 in almostany location.

Illustrative Sensors

Computer 1002 and/or other devices may comprise one or more sensors1026, 1028 configured to detect and/or monitor at least one fitnessparameter of a user 1024. Sensors 1026 and/or 1028 may include, but arenot limited to: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a location-determiningdevice (e.g., GPS), light sensor, temperature sensor (including ambienttemperature and/or body temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart ratemonitor, image-capturing sensor, moisture sensor and/or combinationsthereof. Network 1032 and/or computer 1002 may be in communication withone or more electronic devices of system 1000, including for example,display 1036, an image capturing device 1026 (e.g., one or more videocameras), and sensor 1028, which may be an infrared (IR) device. In oneembodiment sensor 1028 may comprise an IR transceiver. For example,sensors 1026, and/or 1028 may transmit waveforms into the environment,including towards the direction of user 1024 and receive a “reflection”or otherwise detect alterations of those released waveforms. In yetanother embodiment, image-capturing device 1026 and/or sensor 1028 maybe configured to transmit and/or receive other wireless signals, such asradar, sonar, and/or audible information. Those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that signals corresponding to a multitude ofdifferent data spectrums may be utilized in accordance with variousembodiments. In this regard, sensors 1026 and/or 1028 may detectwaveforms emitted from external sources (e.g., not system 1000). Forexample, sensors 1026 and/or 1028 may detect heat being emitted fromuser 1024 and/or the surrounding environment. Thus, image-capturingdevice 1026 and/or sensor 1028 may comprise one or more thermal imagingdevices. In one embodiment, image-capturing device 1026 and/or sensor1028 may comprise an IR device configured to perform rangephenomenology. As a non-limited example, image-capturing devicesconfigured to perform range phenomenology are commercially availablefrom Flir Systems, Inc. of Portland, Oreg. Although image capturingdevice 1026 and sensor 1028 and display 1036 are shown in direct(wirelessly or wired) communication with computer 1002, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that any may directly communicate (wirelessly orwired) with network 1032.

Multi-Purpose Electronic Devices

User 1024 may possess, carry, and/or wear any number of electronicdevices, including sensory devices 1038, 1040, 1042, and/or 1044. Incertain embodiments, one or more devices 1038, 1040, 1042, 1044 may notbe specially manufactured for fitness or athletic purposes. Indeed,aspects of this disclosure relate to utilizing data from a plurality ofdevices, some of which are not fitness devices, to collect, detect,and/or measure athletic data. In one embodiment, device 1038 maycomprise a portable electronic device, such as a telephone or digitalmusic player, including an IPOD®, IPAD®, or iPhone®, brand devicesavailable from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. or Zune® or Microsoft®Windows devices available from Microsoft of Redmond, Wash. As known inthe art, digital media players can serve as both an output device for acomputer (e.g., outputting music from a sound file or pictures from animage file) and a storage device. In one embodiment, device 1038 may becomputer 1002, yet in other embodiments, computer 1002 may be entirelydistinct from device 1038. Regardless of whether device 1038 isconfigured to provide certain output, it may serve as an input devicefor receiving sensory information. Devices 1038, 1040, 1042, and/or 1044may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to: anaccelerometer, a gyroscope, a location-determining device (e.g., GPS),light sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperature and/orbody temperature), heart rate monitor, image-capturing sensor, moisturesensor and/or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, sensors maybe passive, such as reflective materials that may be detected byimage-capturing device 1026 and/or sensor 1028 (among others). Incertain embodiments, sensors 1044 may be integrated into apparel, suchas athletic clothing. For instance, the user 1024 may wear one or moreon-body sensors 1044 a-b. Sensors 1044 may be incorporated into theclothing of user 1024 and/or placed at any desired location of the bodyof user 1024. Sensors 1044 may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) withcomputer 1002, sensors 1028, 1038, 1040, and 1042, and/or camera 1026.Examples of interactive gaming apparel are described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/286,396, filed Oct. 30, 2002, and published asU.S. Pat. Pub, No. 2004/0087366, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety for any and all non-limitingpurposes. In certain embodiments, passive sensing surfaces may reflectwaveforms, such as infrared light, emitted by image-capturing device1026 and/or sensor 1028. In one embodiment, passive sensors located onuser's 1024 apparel may comprise generally spherical structures made ofglass or other transparent or translucent surfaces which may reflectwaveforms. Different classes of apparel may be utilized in which a givenclass of apparel has specific sensors configured to be located proximateto a specific portion of the user's 1024 body when properly worn. Forexample, golf apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on theapparel in a first configuration and yet soccer apparel may include oneor more sensors positioned on apparel in a second configuration.

Devices 1038-1044 may communicate with each other, either directly orthrough a network, such as network 1032. Communication between one ormore of devices 1038-1044 may communicate through computer 1002. Forexample, two or more of devices 1038-1044 may be peripherals operativelyconnected to bus 1014 of computer 1002. In yet another embodiment, afirst device, such as device 1038 may communicate with a first computer,such as computer 1002 as well as another device, such as device 1042,however, device 1042 may not be configured to connect to computer 1002but may communicate with device 1038. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that other configurations are possible.

Some implementations of the example embodiments may alternately oradditionally employ computing devices that are intended to be capable ofa wide variety of functions, such as a desktop or laptop personalcomputer. These computing devices may have any combination of peripheraldevices or additional components as desired. Also, the components shownin FIG. 10B may be included in the server 1034, other computers,apparatuses, etc.

Illustrative Apparel/Accessory Sensors

In certain embodiments, sensory devices 1038, 1040, 1042 and/or 1044 maybe formed within or otherwise associated with user's 1024 clothing oraccessories, including a watch, armband, wristband, necklace, shirt,shoe, or the like. Examples of shoe-mounted and wrist-worn devices(devices 1040 and 1042, respectively) are described immediately below,however, these are merely example embodiments and this disclosure shouldnot be limited to such.

Shoe-Mounted Device

In certain embodiments, sensory device 1040 may comprise footwear whichmay include one or more sensors, including but not limited to: anaccelerometer, location-sensing components, such as GPS, and/or a forcesensor system. FIG. 11A illustrates one example embodiment of a sensorsystem 1102. In certain embodiments, system 1102 may include a sensorassembly 1104. Assembly 1104 may comprise one or more sensors, such asfor example, an accelerometer, location-determining components, and/orforce sensors. In the illustrated embodiment, assembly 1104 incorporatesa plurality of sensors, which may include force-sensitive resistor (FSR)sensors 1106. In yet other embodiments, other sensor(s) may be utilized.Port 1108 may be positioned within a sole structure 1109 of a shoe. Port1108 may optionally be provided to be in communication with anelectronic module 1110 (which may be in a housing 1111) and a pluralityof leads 1112 connecting the FSR sensors 1106 to the port 1108. Module1110 may be contained within a well or cavity in a sole structure of ashoe. The port 1108 and the module 1110 include complementary interfaces1114, 1116 for connection and communication.

In certain embodiments, at least one force-sensitive resistor 1106 shownin FIG. 11A may contain first and second electrodes or electricalcontacts 1118, 1120 and a force-sensitive resistive material 1122disposed between the electrodes 1118, 1120 to electrically connect theelectrodes 1118, 1120 together. When pressure is applied to theforce-sensitive material 1122, the resistivity and/or conductivity ofthe force-sensitive material 1122 changes, which changes the electricalpotential between the electrodes 1118, 1120. The change in resistancecan be detected by the sensor system 1102 to detect the force applied onthe sensor 1116. The force-sensitive resistive material 1122 may changeits resistance under pressure in a variety of ways. For example, theforce-sensitive material 1122 may have an internal resistance thatdecreases when the material is compressed, similar to the quantumtunneling composites described in greater detail below. Furthercompression of this material may further decrease the resistance,allowing quantitative measurements, as well as binary (on/off)measurements. In some circumstances, this type of force-sensitiveresistive behavior may be described as “volume-based resistance,” andmaterials exhibiting this behavior may be referred to as “smartmaterials.” As another example, the material 1122 may change theresistance by changing the degree of surface-to-surface contact. Thiscan be achieved in several ways, such as by using micro-projections onthe surface that raise the surface resistance in an uncompressedcondition, where the surface resistance decreases when themicroprojections are compressed, or by using a flexible electrode thatcan be deformed to create increased surface-to-surface contact withanother electrode. This surface resistance may be the resistance betweenthe material 1122 and the electrode 1118, 1120 1122 and/or the surfaceresistance between a conducting layer (e.g., carbon/graphite) and aforce-sensitive layer (e.g., a semiconductor) of a multi-layer material1122. The greater the compression, the greater the surface-to-surfacecontact, resulting in lower resistance and enabling quantitativemeasurement. In some circumstances, this type of force-sensitiveresistive behavior may be described as “contact-based resistance.” It isunderstood that the force-sensitive resistive material 1122, as definedherein, may be or include a doped or non-doped semiconducting material.

The electrodes 1118, 1120 of the FSR sensor 1116 can be formed of anyconductive material, including metals, carbon/graphite fibers orcomposites, other conductive composites, conductive polymers or polymerscontaining a conductive material, conductive ceramics, dopedsemiconductors, or any other conductive material. The leads 1112 can beconnected to the electrodes 1118, 1120 by any suitable method, includingwelding, soldering, brazing, adhesively joining, fasteners, or any otherintegral or non-integral joining method. Alternately, the electrode1118, 1120 and associated lead 1112 may be formed of a single piece ofthe same material.

Wrist-Worn Device

As shown in FIG. 11B, device 1126 (which may resemble or be sensorydevice 1042 shown in FIG. 10A) may be configured to be worn by user1024, such as around a wrist, arm, ankle or the like. Device 1126 maymonitor athletic movements of a user, including all-day activity of user1024. In this regard, device assembly 1126 may detect athletic movementduring user's 1024 interactions with computer 1002 and/or operateindependently of computer 1002. For example, in one embodiment, device1126 may be an-all day activity monitor that measures activityregardless of the user's proximity or interactions with computer 1002.Device 1126 may communicate directly with network 1032 and/or otherdevices, such as devices 1038 and/or 1040. In other embodiments,athletic data obtained from device 1126 may be utilized indeterminations conducted by computer 1002, such as determinationsrelating to which exercise programs are presented to user 1024. In oneembodiment, device 1126 may also wirelessly interact with a mobiledevice, such as device 1038 associated with user 1024 or a remotewebsite such as a site dedicated to fitness or health related subjectmatter. At some predetermined time, the user may wish to transfer datafrom the device 1126 to another location.

As shown in FIG. 11B, device 1126 may include an input mechanism, suchas a depressible input button 1128 assist in operation of the device1126. The input button 1128 may be operably connected to a controller1130 and/or any other electronic components, such as one or more of theelements discussed in relation to computer 1002 shown in FIG. 10B.Controller 11230 may be embedded or otherwise part of housing 1132.Housing 1132 may be formed of one or more materials, includingelastomeric components and comprise one or more displays, such asdisplay 1134. The display may be considered an illuminable portion ofthe device 1126. The display 1134 may include a series of individuallighting elements or light members such as LED lights 1134 in anexemplary embodiment. The LED lights may be formed in an array andoperably connected to the controller 1130. Device 1126 may include anindicator system 1136, which may also be considered a portion orcomponent of the overall display 1134. It is understood that theindicator system 1136 can operate and illuminate in conjunction with thedisplay 1134 (which may have pixel member 1135) or completely separatefrom the display 1134. The indicator system 1136 may also include aplurality of additional lighting elements or light members 1138, whichmay also take the form of LED lights in an exemplary embodiment. Incertain embodiments, indicator system may provide a visual indication ofgoals, such as by illuminating a portion of lighting members 1138 torepresent accomplishment towards one or more goals.

A fastening mechanism 1140 can be unlatched wherein the device 1126 canbe positioned around a wrist of the user 1024 and the fasteningmechanism 1140 can be subsequently placed in a latched position. Theuser can wear the device 1126 at all times if desired. In oneembodiment, fastening mechanism 1140 may comprise an interface,including but not limited to a USB port, for operative interaction withcomputer 1002 and/or devices 1038, 1040.

In certain embodiments, device 1126 may comprise a sensor assembly (notshown in FIG. 11B). The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality ofdifferent sensors. In an example embodiment, the sensor assembly maycomprise or permit operative connection to an accelerometer (includingin the form of a multi-axis accelerometer), heart rate sensor,location-determining sensor, such as a GPS sensor, and/or other sensors.Detected movements or parameters from device's 1042 sensor(s), mayinclude (or be used to form) a variety of different parameters, metricsor physiological characteristics including but not limited to speed,distance, steps taken, and energy expenditure such as calories, heartrate, sweat detection, effort, oxygen consumed, and/or oxygen kinetics.Such parameters may also be expressed in terms of activity points orcurrency earned by the user based on the activity of the user.

Illustrative Athletic Monitoring Methods

One or more components of system 1000 may prompt a user to perform oneor more exercises, monitor user movement while performing the exercises,and provide the user with an energy expenditure estimate based on theirmovement. System 1000 may analyze a user's form to determine if the useris making an exercise more or less difficult, and adjust the energyexpenditure estimate accordingly. Energy expenditure estimates may be,or comprise, an estimate of calories burned by the user. In certainembodiments, energy expenditure determinations may be based on, and/orconveyed as a point system. In one embodiment, calories may be convertedto a point system, yet in other embodiments, measurements may bedirectly obtained in one or more point systems. In one implementation,activity points may be based upon: form, body movements, and/orcompletion of certain activities. In further embodiments, energyexpenditure calculations may comprise determinations relating to:effort, oxygen consumed, and/or oxygen kinetics of the user. In oneembodiment, computer 1002, camera 1026, sensor 1028, and display 1036may be implemented within the confines of a user's residence, althoughother locations, including gyms and/or businesses are contemplated.Further, as discussed above, computer 1002 may be a portable device,such as a cellular telephone, therefore, one or more aspects discussedherein may be conducted in almost any location. In this regard, theexample embodiments of this disclosure are discussed in the context ofbeing implemented with one or more of the example components of system1000. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reference(s) to aparticular component, such as computer 1002, is not meant to belimiting, but rather to provide an illustrative example of one of manypossible implementations. Thus, although certain components may bereferenced, it is to be assumed that other components of system 1000 maybe utilized unless expressly disclaimed or physically impossible.Further, aspects disclosed herein are not limited to example system1000.

Monitoring User Movements

While exercising, the system 1000 may use one or more techniques tomonitor user movement. FIG. 12 illustrates an example flow diagram of amethod for calculating an energy expenditure estimate for a user thataccounts for a user's form while exercising as part of the estimate, inaccordance with example embodiments. The method may be implemented by acomputer, such as, for example, computer 1002, device 1038, 1040 and/or1042, as well as or other apparatuses. The blocks shown in FIG. 12 maybe rearranged, some blocks may be removed, additional blocks may beadded, each block may be repeated one or more times, and the flowdiagram may be repeated one or more times. The flow diagram may begin atblock 1202.

Perform User Assessment

In block 1202, the method may include performing an initial assessmentof the user. A user, such as user 1024, may be positioned in range of asensor, such as in front of the image capturing device 1026 and/orsensor 1028, which may comprise an infrared transceiver. Display 1036may present a representation of user 1024 that may be a “mirror-image”or depict a virtual avatar, such as a user avatar, that moves tocorrespond with user movement. Computer 1002 may prompt the user to moveinto a certain region relative to the image capturing device 1026 and/orrelative to the infrared transceiver 1028 so that the user is withinframe and/or range. When properly positioned, system 1000 may processmovement of the user. Although the term “initial” has been utilized,this assessment may occur each time the user initiates system 1000,performs certain movements, upon passage of time, or for any otherreason. Thus, references to assessments herein are not limited to asingle assessment.

Identify Sensory Locations

One or more components shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 10, such as system 1000shown in FIG. 10 may process sensory data to identify user movementdata. In one embodiment, sensory locations on a user's body may beidentified. With reference to FIG. 13, sensory locations 1302 a-1302 omay correspond to locations of interest on the user's 1024 body (e.g.,ankles, elbows, shoulders, etc.). For example, images of recorded video,such as from camera 1026, may be utilized in an identification of thesensory locations 1302 a-1302 o. For example, the user may stand acertain distance, which may or may not be predefined, from the camera1026, and system 1000 may process the images to identify the user 1024within the video, for example, using disparity mapping techniques. In anexample, image capturing device 1026 may be a stereo camera having twoor more lenses that are spatially offset from one another and thatsimultaneously capture two or more images of the user. System 1000 mayprocess the two or more images taken at a same time instant to generatea disparity map for determining a location of certain parts of theuser's body in each image (or at least some of the images) in the videousing a coordinate system (e.g., Cartesian coordinates). The disparitymap may indicate a difference between an image taken by each of theoffset lenses.

In a second example, one or more sensors may be located on or proximateto the user's 1024 body at the sensory locations 1302 a-1302 o or theuser 1024 may wear a suit having sensors situated at various locations.Yet, in other embodiments, sensor locations may be determined from othersensory devices, such as devices 1038, 1040 and/or 1042. In this regard,sensors may be physical sensors located on a user's clothing, yet inother embodiments, sensor locations 1302 a-1302 o may be based uponidentification of relationships between two moving body parts. Forexample, sensor location 1302 a may be determined by identifying motionsof user 1024. In this regard, the overall shape or portion of a user'sbody may permit identification of certain body parts. Regardless ofwhether a camera, such as camera 1026, is utilized and/or a physicalsensor located on the user 1024, such as sensors within device(s) 1038,1040, 1042 are utilized, the sensors may sense a current location of abody part and/or track movement of the body part.

In certain embodiments, a time stamp may be added to the data collected(such as collected part of block 1202 in FIG. 12) indicating a specifictime when a body part was at a certain location. Sensor data may bereceived at computer 1002 (or other device) via wireless or wiredtransmission. A computer, such as computer 1002 and/or devices 1038,1040, 1042, may process the time stamps to determine the locations ofthe body parts using a coordinate system (e.g., Cartesian coordinates)within each (or at least some) of the images in the video. Data receivedfrom camera 1026 may be corrected, modified, and/or combined with datareceived from one or more other devices 1038, 1040, and 1042.

In a third example, system 1000 may use infrared pattern recognition todetect user movement and locations of body parts of the user 1024. Forexample, sensor 1028 may include an infrared transceiver, which may bepart of camera 1026, or another device, that may emit an infrared signalto illuminate the user's 1024 body using infrared signals. The infraredtransceiver 1028 may capture a reflection of the infrared signal fromthe body of user 1024. Based on the reflection, the system 1000 mayidentify a location of certain parts of the user's body using acoordinate system (e.g., Cartesian coordinates) at particular instancesin time. Which and how body parts are identified may be predeterminedbased on a type or types of exercise a user is requested to perform.

As part of a workout routine, system 1000 may make an initial posturalassessment of the user 1024 as part of the initial user assessment inblock 1202 of FIG. 12. System 1000 may analyze front and side images ofa user 1024 to determine a location of one or more of a user'sshoulders, upper back, lower back, hips, knees, and ankles. On-bodysensors and/or infrared techniques may also be used, either alone or inconjunction with camera 1026, to determine the locations of various bodyparts for the postural assessment. For example, system 1000 maydetermine assessment lines 1024 a-g to determine the locations of avarious points on a user's body, such as, for example, ankles, knees,hips, upper back, lower back, and shoulders.

Energy Expenditure

Certain aspects measure a user's performance based at least partially onenergy expenditure, such as but not limited to a quantity of calaoriesburned. The following provides an example equation for calculating anamount of calories burned by a user during a workout.Calories burned=BMR*(Activity modifier)*(Completeness modifier).  Equation (1)

In equation (1), BMR is an acronym for Basal Metabolic Rate. The system1000 may calculate the BMR using the Mifflin-St. Jeor Equation,BMR=(10*w)+(6.25*h)−(5.0*a)+(5 for men, −161 for women), where “*” isthe multiplication symbol, “w”=weight in kilograms, “h”=height incentimeters, “a”=age in years. The system 100 may also use theHarris-Benedict equation instead of or, in addition to, the Mifflin-St.Jeor Equation.

The activity modifier may be an adjustment corresponding to a type ofexercise being performed by a user. The activity modifier may be largerfor more strenuous exercises, and smaller for less strenuous. System1000 may store a file containing activity modifiers, where each activitymodifier may have a value for a particular exercise type. Two or moreexercises may have activity modifiers with a same value, or certainexercise may have a unique value for the activity modifier. The activitymodifier may have a default value. In one example embodiment, thedefault value may be 0.1. In a second embodiment, the default value maybe 1.0. The default value may be any value, including 0.0. System 1000may update the default value to correspond to the activity modifier foran exercise currently being performed by the user. Over a duration ofthe workout, system 1000 may use different ones of the activitymodifiers to calculate calories burned using equation (1) correspondingto different exercises the user is prompted to perform. One or morefactors may contribute to the activity modifier and/or adjustment of themodifier. Examples include, but are not limited to: pace, type ofexercise, duration, and combinations thereof. Further, activitymodifiers and/or variation of activity modifiers may be determined frompredetermined values (such as a value assigned to an exercise ormovement that a user is prompted to perform), the user's performance,information from a MET table on a particular exercise, and combinationsthereof.

The completeness modifier may be used for adjusting the BMR based on howwell a user's form corresponds to a desired form when performing anexercise. In an example, the completeness modifier may indicate whatpercentage of full movement was achieved for each repetition whenperforming an exercise (e.g., determine a percentage of a measured anglebetween the user's torso and thighs for a particular repetition of anexercise relative to a desired angle), or may be an average of thepercentage of full movement for a predetermined number of repetitions(e.g., last three exercises, last five exercises, all exercises, etc.).The completeness modifier may have a default value. In one exampleembodiment, the default value may be 0.1. In a second embodiment, thedefault value may be 1.0. The default value may be any value, including0.0. System 1000 may update the completeness modifier over time based onhow well the user's form conforms to a desired form. One or more factorsmay contribute to the activity modifier and/or adjustment of themodifier. Examples include, but are not limited to: pace, type ofexercise, duration, and combinations thereof. Further, activitymodifiers and/or variation of activity modifiers may be determined frompredetermined values (such as a value assigned to an exercise ormovement that a user is prompted to perform), the user's performance,and combinations thereof.

Equation (2), provided below, may be utilized in further embodiments.Calories burned=BMR*(Activity modifier)*(Completenessmodifier)*(Multiply Modifier)+(Addition Modifier)  Equation (2)

Values for BMR, Activity Modifier, and/or Completeness Modifier ofEquation (2) may be determined in accordance with one or moreembodiments described above in reference to Equation (1). In oneembodiment, the value of the Multiply Modifier may be defined for eachtype of exercise. In one example embodiment, the default value may be0.1. In a second embodiment, the default value may be 1.0. The defaultvalue may be any value, including 0.0. System 1000 may update theMultiply Modifier during a workout to correspond to a type of exercisethe user is prompted to perform. In certain embodiments, the ActivityModifier may be obtained (either partially or entirely) from empiricaldata.

In certain embodiments, the value of the Addition Modifier may bedefined for each type of exercise. In one example embodiment, thedefault value may be 0.1. In a second embodiment, the default value maybe 1.0. The default value may be any value, including 0.0. System 1000may update the Addition Modifier during a workout to correspond to atype of exercise the user is prompted to perform. In certainembodiments, the Activity Modifier may be obtained (either partially orentirely) from empirical data.

System 1000 may calculate the calories burned over a duration of aworkout, which may incorporate the utilization of equations (1) or (2).System 1000 may cause the display 1036 to display a running total ofcalories burned. In certain embodiments, the total may be determined forone or more completed repetitions and one or more completed sets of eachexercise. System 1000 may also calculate and cause display of caloriesburned by type of exercise performed. Other information such as, forexample, peak/minimum/average calorie burning rate by workout, byrepetition, by set, or by exercise type may also be calculated anddisplayed. System 1000 may periodically determine an amount of caloriesburned by the user while exercising using equation (1). System 1000 mayindicate a current amount of calories burned that is continually updatedover a workout (e.g., a running total), or may update the caloriesburned amount at predetermined times (e.g., user completes a set of afirst type of exercise and begins a set of second type of exercise, atthe end of the workout session, etc.). System 1000 may also inform theuser how many calories were burned during each repetition as well as ineach set of an exercise.

One or more of the inputs and/or variables used in the determination ofcaloric expenditure (such as with equation (1)) may remain the sameregardless of the type of exercise being performed by the user, yetothers may vary. For example, the BMR may be the same over the entireworkout as a user's weight, height, and age do not change appreciablyover the course of a workout. Further, one or more of the Activitymodifier, Completeness modifier, Multiply Modifier, and AdditionModifier may vary over the workout. The values (and/or variation) of thevalues may depend on the type exercise currently being performed by theuser.

The Completeness modifier may vary from repetition to repetition. Asnoted above, system 1000 may generate the Completeness modifier based onmonitoring a user's form while they perform an exercise. Generally, anexercise includes a sequence of motions to perform one repetition, and auser typically performs a set that includes two or more repetitions. Auser's form may vary from repetition to repetition, and so may theCompleteness modifier.

System 1000 may determine calories burned using equation (1) based on aCompleteness modifier that varies from repetition to repetition, orbased on a filtered version of the Completeness modifier. To filter theCompleteness modifier, the system 1000 may, for example, determine aCompleteness modifier for one or more repetitions, may average some orall of the Completeness modifiers, and may use the average in equation(1). Also, system 1000 may generate the Completeness modifier as aweighted average, where Completeness modifiers of some repetitions maybe given greater weight than others. For example, system 1000 may applya decaying function where more recent Completeness modifiers areweighted more heavily than less recent when generating an average.

System 1000 may also allow a user to make desired movements, andcalculate an amount of calories burned for such movement. In oneembodiment, all detected movements may be utilized in calculations. Yetin other embodiments, only certain (e.g., system supported and/or thoseprompted to be performed) movements may be considered. System 1000 mayprocess data from image capturing device 1026 and/or from varioussensors to attempt to classify a user's movement. For example, system1000 may compare the user's movement to other known movements for whicha MET table has been defined. If a user's movement corresponds to aknown movement for which a MET table has been defined, then system 1000may use the identified MET table for calculating an amount of caloriesburned.

If the user's movement does not match an exercise defined by a METtable, the system 1000 may identify one or more exercises that includemovements similar to the movement being performed by the user. Forexample, system 1000 may determine that the user's lower body movessimilar to a squat and upper body moves similar to a pushup. System 1000may calculate the number of calories the user would burn using theidentified MET tables as if the users were doing a squat, and as if theywere doing a pushup, as approximations for the amount of calories burnedby the user. In further embodiments, a new entry may be created. In thisregard, certain embodiments may permit the entry and lateridentification of new movements and/or exercises. In certainembodiments, the user may provide inputs regarding an approximatecaloric expenditure for an unidentified movement/exercise. Yet in otherembodiments, system 1000 may calculate caloric expenditure, such as fromone or more sensors as discussed herein. In still yet furtherembodiments, system 1000 may utilize one or more sensor readings as wellas an input from a user (and/or third-party) in determining attributes,such as caloric expenditure, for previously unknown movements orexercises. Examples of estimating caloric expenditure without METtables, may include but are not limited to, determining changes inpotential energy. Examples of using changes in potential energy areprovided in the next section.

System 1000 may be configured to transmit calories burned estimates to asocial networking website. The users may be ranked based on their totalnumber of calories burned for a desired time interval (e.g., rank byday, week, month, year, etc.). With reference again to FIG. 12, themethod may end or may return to any of the preceding blocks.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a virtual world servercomprising one or more processors and memory storing computer-executableinstructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, causethe virtual world server to: provide a virtual world comprising aplurality of virtual regions, wherein each virtual region is associatedwith one of a plurality of users, wherein each user is represented inthe virtual world by one of a plurality of avatars, and whereinindividual virtual regions of the plurality of virtual regions aretraversable by individual avatars of the plurality of avatars, prompt auser of the plurality of users to perform a real-world physicalactivity, reward the user in the virtual world in response todetermining, based on sensor data characterizing movement of the userand a calculation of completeness modifiers that weight exercisescompleted recently more heavily than less recent exercises, that theuser performed a threshold level of the real-world physical activity,and penalize the user in the virtual world in response to determining,based on the sensor data characterizing the movement of the user, thatthe user did not perform the threshold level of the real-world physicalactivity; a client computing device in signal communication with thevirtual world server and operated by the user to access the virtualworld; and a monitoring device comprising at least one sensor configuredto detect the movement of the user and obtain at least a portion of thesensor data characterizing the movement of the user, wherein themonitoring device is configured to detect the movement of the user at alocation from which the client computing device is not accessible to theuser.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the instructions, when executedby the virtual world server, further cause the virtual world server to:determine a geographic location of the user, determine an environmentalcondition of the geographic location, and select a reward based on theenvironmental condition.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein: theinstructions, when executed by the virtual world server, further causethe virtual world server to: visually represent the environmentalcondition of the geographic location of the user in the virtual world ata virtual region of the plurality of virtual regions that is associatedwith the user.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein: the threshold level ofthe real-world physical activity comprises: a threshold quantity of timethe user spends conducting the real-world physical activity, a thresholdvalue of a physiological or biological parameter of the user, or athreshold distance traveled by the user within a predetermined window oftime.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein: the instructions, when executedby the virtual world server, further cause the virtual world server to:present, in the virtual world, live data characterizing performance ofthe real-world physical activity being performed by the user.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein: the instructions, when executed by thevirtual world server, further cause the virtual world server to:visually represent an avatar of the plurality of avatars performing thereal-world physical activity in the virtual world either during or afterperformance of the real-world physical activity by the user, the avatarbeing associated with the user.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein: theinstructions, when executed by the virtual world server, further causethe virtual world server to: determine a geographic location of theuser, determine a real-world feature of the geographic location, andvisually represent the real-world feature of the geographic location ofthe user in the virtual world at a virtual region of the plurality ofvirtual regions that is associated with the user, wherein the real-worldfeature comprises a man-made object or a natural object locatedproximate to the geographic location of the user.
 8. The system of claim1, wherein: the instructions, when executed by the virtual world server,further cause the virtual world server to: determine a geographiclocation of the user, select the real-world physical activity the useris prompted to perform based on the geographic location of the user. 9.A method comprising: by a virtual world server comprising one or moreprocessors, memory, and a communication interface: providing a virtualworld comprising a plurality of virtual regions, wherein each virtualregion is associated with one of a plurality of users, wherein each useris represented in the virtual world by one of a plurality of avatars,and wherein individual virtual regions of the plurality of virtualregions are traversable by individual avatars of the plurality ofavatars, providing, to a client computing device operated by a user ofthe plurality of users, access to the virtual world via thecommunication interface, prompting the user to perform a real-worldphysical activity, receiving sensor data characterizing movement of theuser from a monitoring device comprising at least one sensor configuredto detect the movement of the user and obtain at least a portion of thesensor data, wherein the monitoring device is configured to detect themovement of the user at a location from which the client computingdevice is not accessible to the user, and either (i) rewarding the userin the virtual world in response to determining, based on the sensordata characterizing the movement of the user and a calculation ofcompleteness modifiers that weight exercises completed recently moreheavily than less recent exercises, that the user performed a thresholdlevel of the real-world physical activity, or (b) penalizing the user inthe virtual world in response to determining, based on the sensor datacharacterizing the movement of the user, that the user did not performthe threshold level of the real-world physical activity.
 10. The methodof claim 9, further comprising: by the virtual world server: determininga geographic location of the user, determining an environmentalcondition of the geographic location, and selecting a reward based onthe environmental condition.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein: thethreshold level of the real-world physical activity comprises: athreshold quantity of time the user spends conducting the real-worldphysical activity, a threshold value of a physiological or biologicalparameter of the user, or a threshold distance traveled by the userwithin a predetermined window of time.
 12. The method of claim 9,further comprising: by the virtual world server: presenting, in thevirtual world, live data characterizing performance of the real-worldphysical activity being performed by the user.
 13. The method of claim9, further comprising: by the virtual world server: visuallyrepresenting an avatar of the plurality of avatars performing thereal-world physical activity in the virtual world either during or afterperformance of the real-world physical activity by the user, the avatarbeing associated with the user.
 14. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: by the virtual world server: determining a geographiclocation of the user, determining a real-world feature of the geographiclocation, and visually representing the real-world feature of thegeographic location of the user in the virtual world at a virtual regionof the plurality of virtual regions that is associated with the user,wherein the real-world feature comprises a man-made object or a naturalobject located proximate to the geographic location of the user. 15.Non-transitory computer-readable media having computer-executableinstructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or moreprocessors of a virtual world server, cause the virtual world server to:provide a virtual world comprising a plurality of virtual regions,wherein each virtual region is associated with one of a plurality ofusers, wherein each user is represented in the virtual world by one of aplurality of avatars, and wherein individual virtual regions of theplurality of virtual regions are traversable by individual avatars ofthe plurality of avatars, provide, to a client computing device operatedby a user of the plurality of users, access to the virtual world via acommunication interface of the virtual world server, prompt the user toperform a real-world physical activity, receive sensor datacharacterizing movement of the user from a monitoring device comprisingat least one sensor configured to detect the movement of the user andobtain at least a portion of the sensor data, wherein the monitoringdevice is configured to detect the movement of the user at a locationfrom which the client computing device is not accessible to the user,reward the user in the virtual world in response to determining, basedon the sensor data characterizing the movement of the user and acalculation of completeness modifiers that weight exercises completedrecently more heavily than less recent exercises, that the userperformed a threshold level of the real-world physical activity,penalize the user in the virtual world in response to determining, basedon the sensor data characterizing the movement of the user that the userdid not perform the threshold level of the real-world physical activity.16. The non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein theinstructions, when executed, further cause the virtual world server to:determine a geographic location of the user, determine an environmentalcondition of the geographic location, and select a reward based on theenvironmental condition.
 17. The non-transitory computer-readable mediaof claim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause thevirtual world server to: present, in the virtual world, live datacharacterizing performance of the real-world physical activity beingperformed by the user.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable media ofclaim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause thevirtual world server to: visually represent an avatar of the pluralityof avatars performing the real-world physical activity in the virtualworld either during or after performance of the real-world physicalactivity by the user, the avatar being associated with the user.
 19. Thenon-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15, wherein theinstructions, when executed, further cause the virtual world server to:determine a geographic location of the user, determine a real-worldfeature of the geographic location, and visually represent thereal-world feature of the geographic location of the user in the virtualworld at a virtual region of the plurality of virtual regions that isassociated with the user, wherein the real-world feature comprises aman-made object or a natural object located proximate to the geographiclocation of the user.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable media ofclaim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause thevirtual world server to: determine a geographic location of the user,select the real-world physical activity the user is prompted to performbased on the geographic location of the user.